ABSTRACT
Counselling is available free of charge on the NHS. But the maximum number of sessions normally allowed is six, which is unlikely to be sufficient unless there is just one specific, relatively straightforward matter to be addressed. Also, there is usually a long waiting list that may run into months. Some of the larger companies will have employee assistance programs which either operate in house or are made available from outside counsellors. Sessions are usually free of charge for the member of staff concerned. The alternative is to go through an agency or an individual independent counsellor. When debating whether to make the investment, it is worth considering what might be the emotional and practical costs of doing nothing. Also, whilst free counselling may seem the obvious option, the payment of a fee perhaps creates a more even balance in the relationship.
